The Land Beneath Us by Sarah Sundin, the third book in the Sunrise at Normandy series, is an unusual love story. Just before D-Day, Pvt. Clay Paxton, training with the Army Rangers, has a recurring dream of his death on the battlefield. Clay meets and likes the extremely polite, courteous and gracious Leah Jones. She works at an orphanage library, being an orphan herself. She was ruthlessly abandoned by her adoptive family. When Clay saves Leah’s life, the bond between them deepens significantly, although it is not love at first sight. They get married in a marriage of convenience, with the option to divorce, before Clay goes to Europe on battle deputation. Their relationship strengthens through their letters. Clay and Leah are the perfect embodiment of selfless courage, determination and fortitude, as they find hope in forgiveness and life in healing. When Clay returns from the battlefield, they decide to save their marriage, as they love each other. Sarah Sundin develops the blossoming relationship between the two main characters, Clay and Leah, in a profound and perceptive way. I highly recommend this book to all who wish to get a deeper understanding of what it means to triumph against all odds.

4.5 stars
I have been anxiously awaiting this final installment because I really wanted to read Clay's story and find out what happened after The Sky Above Us ended in a cliffhanger. This book did not disappoint me in any way! Sundin has a gift for placing the reader right in the middle of the World War II time period and everything about the story feels authentic and believable.
I loved Clay's emotional journey in this novel. The themes of forgiveness resonate throughout, and I could feel his struggles with his identity and knowing who he was in God's eyes even when he couldn't quite figure that out with his family. I absolutely loved the Biblical parallels to the Rachel and Leah story and how those themes are timeless. Clay and Leah's relationship development was heartwarming and heartbreaking all at the same time.
Although this book could stand alone, you shouldn't read it without the first two. You would miss the blessing of watching the relationship of the three brothers as it grows and changes, and that is one of the most beautiful parts of this series. I urge you to get all three books and savor them, you won't regret one minute of the time spent.

This is Sarah Sundin's third novel about D-Day and she covers some very dark themes in this book.

Clay is the third Paxton brother who left home because of an incident with his other two brothers. Since he joined the Army, he signed up to be part of the Rangers. At his Rangers training, he was assigned to Camp Forrest in Tennessee where he meets Leah Jones who is working in the library.

Leah grew up in an orphanage and remembers that she had twin younger sisters that she wanted to find and find out more about her background.

When the most unfortunate thing that could happen to a young lady happens to Leah, Clay made an offer to Leah to marry her and give her his protection. She would get his allotment check while he was deployed.

Sarah has done extensive research on D-Day and the various arms of the military service. She's gathered information about life in the armed services and how the members lived and fought. I love reading her books because she shares knowledge in a dark era of our nation's life. My father was in the Coast Guard during WWII and several of my uncles also served in various arms of the service--two in the Army, one in the Navy, and one in the Air Force. My father would have been at D-Day except that his ship was in dry dock after taking a torpedo meant for a larger ship.

Sarah's research is impeccable and her prose (and poetry in this book) is spot on. Her characters have a realness that make them likable, the pacing of the plot make the book hard to put down, and the settings make the book come alive. This is a five star book, with two thumbs up, and books donated to your local library.

My thanks go to Revell Publishing and NetGalley.com for providing this book for me to read and review.

The Land Beneath Us grabbed my attention from page one and didn’t let go until the end. I find historical romances typically have slower starts, but wow, not this one!

We begin as Leah Jones arrives to work in a library at Camp Forrest, Tennessee. Orphaned at just four years old, Leah is desperate to discover her real name and find her missing sisters.

Clay Paxton is a soldier on a mission to die, his demise foretold in dreams. But when he rescues Leah from a brutal attack and offers to marry her, he suddenly has something to live for.

The character development in The Land Beneath Us is truly second to none. We see Leah go from naive and downtrodden teen, belittled by the world for her tough upbringing, despite that being far from within her control. As the story continues Leah finds enough self worth to fight for others far less fortunate, and receives healing when she does. Then there’s Clay who goes from committed ranger candidate to doting father and loving brother, as the pages turn.

As ever with Sarah Sundin, her attention to detail and meticulous research resound as her characters travel from the United States to England and then France. At times it seemed as if, as a reader, I were marching alongside with them.

This is the third and final installment of the Sunrise at Normandy series but would also work as a standalone and appeal to anyone who likes the World War Two timeframe.

If you’d like to read an excerpt or buy Land Beneath Us, here’s the link…

To connect with Sarah Sundin via her website, click here…

For your next great read, check out my most anticipated books of 2020, here…

The premise of The Land Beneath Us is interesting and compelling. I enjoyed Leah's story, the search for her sisters, and her determination to rise above her own experience. At that time, orphans were ridiculed and looked down on. Yet, Leah wanted to create a better life for herself and the orphaned children. Clay gave Leah hope in the midst of despair. The perfect gentleman, he showed her what a friend could be. Their story is different from any I've read. The depth of character shines. This is a beautiful story of forgiveness, faith and friendship. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Overcoming obstacles . . . Christian Historical 1944. I'm excited to read this story, back with old friends and learning about the others who had been in the background in the previous books, bringing it all together. This can be read stand alone, but you'll find you want to read the rest. It's easy to become invested in these characters lives. The three brothers have issues that tore them, their family apart. They each join the war effort, under different branches of the service. Their struggles to learn their way in the world on their own after being so close are heart wrenching. Both Clay and Leah, with their backgrounds, need to find their self worth, strengths. He's half Mexican, she's an orphan. Orphans were terribly looked down on at that time. She especially needs to develop courage to step out into the world, other people and groups and find where she fits in. We're all given our own strengths and talents, and she learns that she has a lot to contribute. Expertly told story that weaves these characters lives together, sometimes on bumpy roads. Beautiful story of love as it grows.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
#TheLandBeneathUs #NetGalley

A well written historical romance. Good plot and believable characters. If you are a fan of historical romance I recommend this book. I received an arc from the publisher and this is my unbiased review.

Sarah Sundin is brilliant when it comes to WWII fiction. This, the 3rd in her Sunrise at Normandy series, is a re-sounding conclusion to the trilogy. I found myself immersed in this story from the very beginning, following the story of Ranger Clay Paxton and Leah Jones.

What I love most about Sundin's work is her ability to create a tale that brings history to life. I felt as if I were living the pages of this book, walking alongside characters that I cheered for very step of the way. With their relatable flaws, admirable bravery, and yearning for belonging, they quickly took root within me. This book was hard to close, knowing I was saying goodbye to a place and people I had grown to love.

This book is amazing, but I do recommend reading the series in order.

I received this book from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Land Beneath Us by Sarah Sundin. Sarah is a gifted author whose talent for weaving WWII novels that put you right into the thick of the historical setting while also crafting a love story that keeps you turning pages! I stayed up way too late one night to read this book and highly, highly recommend it. I'm convinced this is Sarah’s best, most epic novel yet.

The Land Beneath Us
by Sarah Sundin
Revell
Christian

Amazing book! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will recommend for others to read it! It is the finale of the series and I believe is the best book in the series.
A strong book and plot.

Sarah Sundin wrote a Marriage of Convenience story!! Repeat - Sarah Sundin wrote a Marriage of Convenience story!!!! And folks, it’s amazing! I can’t gush enough over her brilliant storytelling!

I’ve been not-so-patiently waiting for this last installment to the Sunrise At Normandy series, and so when I finally got my hot little hands on The Land Beneath Us, I devoured the book! I confess to staying up past one o’clock because that ending was just…wow!

This author has proven again and again that she knows her stuff concerning the World War II era, and this time she takes us into the trenches with the Rangers of the U.S. Army. There are portions that are intense, filled with combat, and then there are places when the romance steps forward and you find yourself sighing. There’s such an artful balance to it all!

The heroine, Leah Jones, has faced a series of heartbreaks since her childhood. I found myself rooting for her to see herself as God sees her—valued, cherished, and loved. Then there’s the youngest Paxton brother, Clay, who had born the brunt of injustice and yet maintains that honorable spirit. His tenderness with Leah undid me several times throughout the story.

This book is the perfect finale to a phenomenal series. I am going to miss those Paxton brothers, but a visit is only a bookshelf away.

**I received a copy from the author/publisher. All opinions are my own.

While I truly enjoyed the first two books in Sundin's Sunrise at Normandy series, The Land Beneath Us is by far my favorite. While the stories of Clay Paxton's courage in the face of intense Army Ranger training and participation in D-Day, and orphan Leah Jones' courage in meeting all of the obstacles that life threw her way was extremely engaging, it was the number of well-developed, meaningful themes that make this book stand out. Sundin deals with forgiveness through analogies to the stories of the Prodigal Son as well as Joseph and his brothers. She also deals with the important topics of prejudice and self-centeredness vs selflessness, while emphasizing the importance of integrity. She does this through superb character development.

I highly recommend this book, but do suggest reading this series in order to insure the best reading experience. I am grateful to have received a copy of this book from Revell via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review, and received no monetary compensation.

It has been a while since I have read a book from this author. Every book that I have read has been a four or five star read. Fans of historical fiction stories who have never tried a book from this author, need to pick up a book. You are in for a real treat.

Clay and Leah may have come from different walks of life but they had on thing in common. They were both broken. With each other's support and God's strength, Leah and Clay were able to gain mended hearts filled with love.

Both of their stories were great. The heart does grow fonder with distance. You could feel the love that Clay had for Leah with his letters. As I was reading this book, I was transported back in time. I could see everything that Clay and Leah experienced as if I was there with them. I have discovered a renewed love again for author, Sarah Sundin with this book.

"The Land Beneath Us" by Sarah Sundin is the third book in the Sunrise at Normandy series. The book takes place during World War 11. It is so well researched and written. It is historical fiction. The scene of the story is Camp Forrest and also Normandy. The author writes about all the hard preparation the soldiers have to do The character of Leah Jones is very memorable and touching. character. She is an orphan and is working at Camp Forrest as a librarian. She was inspiring to move forward with her life . She felt the absence of not having parents. She showed a huge amount of courage to conqueror the challenges in front of her . She has a heart of forgiveness which is to be admired. I think it is good for people to understand the sacrifices during War time. I think the story reminds the reader of those sacrifices. . The flow of the story is back and forth between the events at the Camp base and the war zone. The soldiers see their fellow soldiers die and there is so much loss and then they have to in turn continue to fight the war. The book is excellent and so well written. Thank you to the publisher, netgalley and the author for allowing me to read this rich, well written book and post a review. I am posting my reviews on Amazon, netgalley, facebook mGoodreads, my blog, also sharing it with the church staff.

"The Land Beneath Us" is a Christian historical romance set from June 1943 to June 1944 in England. It shows the training up to D-Day and the invasion from the viewpoint of the U.S. Army Rangers. This book is the third in a series. Though it includes enough information that it can be read as a stand alone, the three books are linked as each brother is motivated by a shared painful incident in their past.

Clay was betrayed by his brothers and feels that his future was taken from him. He has a recurring, vivid dream of his death while saving others on the battlefield. This gives his life meaning, and he's so depressed that he doesn't mind the idea of dying. When Leah needs a marriage of convenience to save her reputation and future, Clay has a further opportunity to help another. They're friends and grow closer through the frequent letters that they exchange. Leah urges Clay to forgive his brothers. Both believe that he's going to die during the invasion due to the dream.

The main characters were likable, acted realistically to events, and had depth. Clay and Leah supported each other and became better people through their friendship. They were an awesome match. It was very suspenseful since there was a good chance Clay wasn't going to survive! Both main characters had to deal with prejudice and giving forgiveness, and Leah also had to deal with feeling abandoned by everyone important in her life. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd highly recommend this excellent, suspenseful historical romance.

Clay Paxton has lived in a mental pit for three years - ever since his two brothers betrayed and stole from him. Giving up the medical studies he could no longer afford, he worked in their father's trucking company until he was finally drafted. Now, he's training to become a Ranger, training that stands him in good stead when he saves from death Leah, a woman working in the camp library. But when complications of the attack leave Leah helpless and alone, he feels the need to step in and offer marriage in name only, short-term because a recurring dream has convinced him that he will die in the war saving others. But to keep up the charade of loving one another, they write regularly, and the idea of death ceases to look so much like a blessed escape. Can he forgive his brothers before he dies? And what should he do about his marriage if his dream should turn out to be wrong?

I've read and enjoyed both previous books in the series, and have been looking forward to this one to complete the brothers' adventures. Well, it didn't disappoint when it finally arrived! Having seen the early parts of WWII from the sea and the air, we now see them from the point of view of a Ranger - including fascinating bits about the training. I don't think that scaling 100ft cliffs is in my future (I sure hope not!), but I did enjoy reading about it. Clay's journey to forgiveness was also touching - not many of us have to forgive people as close as brothers for betrayals so enormous, but forgiveness is nevertheless necessary, as much for one's own sake as that of the betrayer. Leah's journey was also memorable, and the little touches that make it feel like you're really there in that time period are included expertly. Note that this is part of a series. Though it could be read and enjoyed on its own because the main characters have their own story, parts of the book also continue his brothers' stories, so readers will get more out of it by reading the series in order. All in all, a great book and a very satisfying end to the series.

Content warning: There is an attack that includes rape in the book, but it is handled in a sensitive way and basically no details are included, so I don't imagine that many people would find it offensive. This warning is included for the few who might.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

Sarah Sundin’s final novel in the “Sunrise at Normandy” trilogy ties up the stories of the Paxton brothers during WWII–one by plane, one by sea, one by land, each fighting for freedom. I have read each book in this series, but I think it would work fine as a stand-alone if you haven’t read the previous two books. There is a lot of tie-in to the other books, but there is also a good bit of recap of what happened.

The Land Beneath Us picks up with the story of the youngest Paxton brother, Clay. Having joined the army in WWII, we get to see the war from the perspective of being on land. One of the reasons I love Sundin’s books is because they seem so well-researched and authentic, and I feel as if I walk away from reading it more educated than when I started, but still thoroughly entertained.

I really enjoyed this final installment in the trilogy, but I would like to put a content warning that there is a rape scene–well written, implied more than it said, but could still be a trigger for some. The themes of forgiveness and reconciliation were strongly present throughout the book, which was inspiring. I appreciated that they were woven in, not in a bright and cheery Hallmark movie type of way, but in a real, hard, gritty situation where it would be easier to hold a grudge. I felt it made it more relatable and real. I would recommend this book to older readers, particularly if you read the first two books prior, as it brings a fullness to the story when you do.

Thank you to Net Galley and Revell publishers for sending me an electronic copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own and were not required to be positive.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion – which I’ve done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Did I love this book? In a word, yes!!!! It is the third book in the Sunrise in Normandy Series. And I mistakenly read book 3 before book 2, which is sitting on my TBR pile! But regardless of that, this book read well, on it's own and kept me spellbound. None-the-less, I'll be reading book two!

The characters in this book were stunning examples of lives well lived. Clay Paxton is working and training to be a US Army Ranger. He meets Leah Jones, who works at the library at Camp Forrest. They begin a sweet friendship and then tragedy strikes in the life of Leah. This changes everything.

Clay is there to help pick up the pieces and mend both body and spirit of beautiful Leah. In a marriage of convenience, which is separated by Clays deployment, life for Leah is one of healing and overcoming the past.

I loved both Leah and Clay. They had so much to deal with, and although it's not easy, they continue on.

I loved the adoption situation in Leah's past and the search for family which ensued.

This was a heart wrenching, moving story. There isn't a single dull moment as both of their lives continue both at home and abroad. And what will happen to the marriage of convenience when and "if" Clay returns? You have to read this book. It was that good. If I could give it 10 stars, I definitely would!

I received a copy of this book from Revell Publishing. All thoughts are my own.

I love this series by Sarah Sundin. In each of these novels we get to learn a little more about the Paxton brothers. In this last book in the series, Private Clay Paxton the youngest sibling, is training hard to make the coveted US Army Ranger-qualified soldiers. Who's motto is Rangers Lead The Way. He has been betrayed by both of his brothers, with catastrophic life changing situations. Leah Jones is a 18 year old orphan who loves books and has always wanted to be a librarian. She lost her mom and dad in a tragic accident, was separated from her twin baby sisters when she was only four and lost her identity including her true name. Sarah Sundin has such a gift of creating characters you will genuinely care for. Once I start one of her books, it's hard to put them down. I received a copy of this book from Revell Publishing through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

The third in the trilogy wraps up the Sunrise at Normandy series in a very satisfying way. I love that Leah works in a library and encourages literary. With such a hard childhood, Leah struggles with self esteem so she is the perfect person to volunteer with the orphans. Clay's struggles with his past mistakes haunts him throughout until he chooses to forgive his brothers. I liked the way the author inserted the background story from the first two books into this book. But, I would encourage readers to read the books in order for the full picture. Highly recommended!